Arsenal and Chelsea ageing defenders also could be targeted…
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Here are ten players we think Liverpool could target in the summer, on the premise that they qualify for the Champions League ahead of next season…
10) Alberto Moreno – Sevilla – (Football Direct News)
Moreno has excelled in Spain this year, establishing a reputation as one of the most promising young left-backs in La Liga. At just 21-years-old, Moreno will be expensive, but could fill the problem Liverpool left-back position for years to come.
9) Lucas Digne – PSG – (Football Direct News)
Digne arrived at PSG last summer for a sizeable fee, but has struggled to play many first-team matches for the Ligue 1 giants. He’s unquestionably talented, and Liverpool showed with the purchase of Mamadou Sakho they can complete big money deals with PSG for French defenders.
8) Yevhen Konoplyanka – Dnipro – (ESPN)
The Reds were extremely close to completing a £15m deal for the Ukrainian winger in January, and could head back in for the winger when the transfer window reopens. The 24-year-old is a brilliant dribbler, and can cut in from the left and shoot with his powerful right boot.
7) Fernando – Porto – (The Mirror)
The Brazilian anchors the midfield for Porto, and was a reported target for the Reds in January. Like they could with Konoplyanka, Liverpool could go back in for Fernando in the summer.
6) Victor Valdes – Barcelona – (The Express)
Current goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has been shaky this term, and it’s possible that Liverpool will take a punt on Barcelona’s veteran stopper, whose contract runs out in the summer. Valdes is keen on experiencing football outside of Spain, and could be keen on joining Brendan Rodgers’ exciting project.
5) Bacary Sagna – Arsenal – (The Mirror)
The Frenchman has refused to extend his contract at the Emirates, and will likely be inundated with offers for his services this summer. Liverpool desperately need to strengthen the fullback areas, and if they’re willing to meet Sagna’s extortionate demands, they could be fielding one of the league’s finest on the right of a back four next term.
4) Ashley Cole – Chelsea – (The Mirror)
Another player whose contract expires in the summer, Cole has fallen completely out of favour at Stamford Bridge this term under Jose Mourinho, and is unlikely to sign a contract extension. He would provide Liverpool with experience and established quality at the problem left-back spot, although his contract demands would likely be very high.
3) Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham – (The Metro)
The Belgian ace is reportedly extremely keen to play Champions League football, and a move to Liverpool could enable him to do that this summer. Spurs will no doubt be desperate to keep hold of their best defender, but might be forced to sell if the player demands a move away from White Hart lane.
2) Karim Benzema – Real Madrid – (The Mirror)
A move for Benzema would be extremely ambitious, and perhaps unnecessary, considering Liverpool already currently have the two top scoring strikers in the Premier League in Luis Suarez and Daniel Strurridge. It would however show their genuine title ambitions, but would likely only become a possibility should Real Madrid sign Suarez going the other way.
1) Isco – Real Madrid – (The Guardian)
The brilliant Spaniard is one of the most talented young playmakers in Europe, but has only played the full 90 in two of Madrid’s last 15 matches. He would cost an astronomical fee, but with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale currently occupying the attacking midfield positions, the Reds could possibly take advantage of Madrid’s wonderful strength in depth and secure the 21-year-old.
